The 3rd grade science curriculum immerses students in the roles of field and lab scientists while fostering productive academic habits. In a hands-on lab environment, students develop fundamental skills and a strong understanding of biology, Earth science, environmental science, and physical science concepts. This year is crucial for students to begin problem-solving and critical thinking through project-based learning and creative invention.
The natural environment, including woods and waterbodies, serves as an outdoor laboratory, creating interdisciplinary links and integrating the school’s annual theme. Throughout the year, students develop academic skills and build scientific knowledge, aiding future studies. They practice scientific report writing, data collection, and calculation, fieldwork, using lab equipment and tools, and graphing. Students also learn to make observations, predictions, and inferences, and to maintain organized scientific notebooks.
Students engage in individual and group work, conducting labs and fieldwork, completing projects, using basic technology, expressing learning through art, acting as engineers, and writing scientific reports. They also analyze charts, graphs, and maps. Science classes collaborate with other academic departments on project-based learning opportunities. The supportive, active, and explorational learning environment encourages students to consider their impact on the Earth.